When the trials and crosses of life become overwhelming, many turn away from God. Consciously or unconsciously, they blame God for their misfortune, or blame His inaction to remedy it. After the death of a loved one, spouses and other family members may stop going to Mass. After experiencing an unanswered prayer or not receiving a desired healing, some dismiss prayer as wishful thinking. Due to the inability to marry in the Church, some distance themselves completely from God.
The experience of being brokenhearted as a result of life’s trials and crosses occurs in every heart; and usually more than once. In Psalm 147, which will be proclaimed this upcoming 5th Sunday of Ordinary time, God encourages us in those moments of trial. “Praise the Lord who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He tells the number of the stars; he calls each by name. The Lord sustains the lowly; the wicked he casts to the ground.”
Rather than turning away from God when facing life’s trials and crosses, we must engage God even more. We must follow Jesus’ command to pick up our cross and follow Him. When brokenhearted, we must trust that we will find healing and consolation in Him alone. God wants to heal our broken hearts, not rub salt into our wounds.
Poor Job suffered imaginable tragedy in his life, yet he persevered in his faith. He kept the faith, and all things turned for good because He loved God. God never disappoints, all in His time and all in His will.
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